Anthem

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "Anthem" by Rush from their 1975 album Fly By Night. This track, a high-energy opener, is steeped in fascinating trivia. The song’s title and lyrics draw inspiration from Ayn Rand’s dystopian novella Anthem, reflecting drummer Neil Peart’s early fascination with her philosophy of individualism. Peart, who became Rush’s primary lyricist, penned lyrics that Geddy Lee belts out with conviction: “Live for yourself, there’s no one else / More worth living for.” Interestingly, the original hand-penned lyrics for "Anthem" included additional lines not used in the final recording, hinting at a more expansive vision for the track. The song itself was born before Peart joined the band, with Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee crafting its heavy riff while still working with original drummer John Rutsey, but Peart’s lyrical touch and precise drumming elevated it to a new level.

Another layer of trivia comes from the recording process at Toronto Sound Studios. "Anthem" features a riff reminiscent of the band’s debut album track “Finding My Way,” but sped up and infused with a more complex arrangement, showcasing Rush’s evolving sound. In a 1975 interview, Geddy Lee expressed the band’s satisfaction with Fly By Night, noting, “We recorded it as an album. Singles would be nice, but that’s incidental.” This mindset underscores the band’s focus on crafting cohesive works, with "Anthem" serving as a bold statement of their new direction. The track’s relentless energy and philosophical depth made it a standout, later earning praise from Rolling Stone for its “relentless precision” when Fly By Night landed at #53 on their list of the 75 Best Albums of 1975.

Now, let’s rewind to how Rush got their start. Formed in August 1968 in Toronto’s Willowdale neighborhood, the band began as a trio of teenagers: guitarist Alex Lifeson, drummer John Rutsey, and bassist Jeff Jones. Jones was quickly replaced by Geddy Lee, who also took on lead vocals. Inspired by hard rock giants like Led Zeppelin, Cream, and Yes, Rush honed their skills playing local Toronto venues. By 1973, they released their first single, a cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” which flopped, prompting them to form their own label, Moon Records. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1974, gained traction after Cleveland’s WMMS radio station added “Working Man” to its playlist, resonating with the city’s blue-collar audience. This led to a deal with Mercury Records, but Rutsey’s departure due to diabetes complications marked a turning point. In July 1974, Neil Peart joined as drummer and lyricist, solidifying the iconic lineup that would propel Rush to global fame.

Peart’s arrival transformed Rush’s sound and lyrical approach, as seen in "Anthem" and the Fly By Night album. Over the decades, Rush evolved from bluesy hard rock to progressive rock epics and later incorporated reggae, synth-pop, and alternative rock influences. Their 1976 album 2112 became a breakthrough, cementing their status with a devoted fanbase. With 24 gold and 14 platinum records, Rush ranks third behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band, according to the RIAA. Despite critical ups and downs, their cult following and arena-filling tours made them a powerhouse, celebrated in 2013 with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Rush’s official channels: their website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also connect with the vibrant Rush community on sites like Rush is a Band, which offers tour archives, merchandise, and blog posts, or Rush Wiki for detailed discography and history. For fan interaction, join Facebook groups like the Rush Fans community, where devotees share photos, memorabilia, and concert memories. You can also explore ProgArchives for reviews and discussions on Rush’s progressive rock legacy or listen to the Something For Nothing podcast for fan-hosted deep dives.